Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erin, WI (2023 Update)
- Erin Solar Installation Cost: $13,062
- 25-Year Savings: $24,948
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erin
See how much it might cost to go solar in Erin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Erin generally cost around 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Erin is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,068 for a solar installation, or $18,687 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Erin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Erin homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Erin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,766 |
| 3 years | $-9,175 |
| 5 years | $-6,584 |
| 7 years | $-3,993 |
| 9 years | $-1,402 |
| 11 years | $1,189 |
| 13 years | $3,780 |
| 15 years | $6,371 |
| 17 years | $8,962 |
| 19 years | $11,553 |
| 21 years | $14,144 |
| 23 years | $16,735 |
| 25 years | $19,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Erin
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Erin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erin
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Erin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Erin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Erin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $20,421 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $27,519 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $34,762 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $42,152 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $49,687 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $57,367 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $65,193 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $73,165 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Erin, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Erin?
The average cost of solar panels in Erin is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Erin?
A solar panel system isn't free in Erin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.